5 String Banjo, most likely made by Buckbee (1880's), probably New York City, natural varnish finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck.
A typical late 19th century Buckbee style spunover rim banjo with 38 hooks (in the 1880's some banjos were priced by the number of hooks thay had!) set up for modern playing. Newer fretted dot-inlay fingerboard, Planet style geared tuners (with amber button reminiscent of the 1930's) and a No-Knot tailpiece make this a very good gigging banjo while retaining the original tone character.
Overall length is 34 1/8 in. (86.7 cm.), 10 13/16 in. (27.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Appears little used since restoration; well set up with a Fiberskyn head and steel strings-a good playing and practical 19th century player's banjo. Generally Excellent Condition.
